Item 35 is a 1609 first edition catalogue for a most unusual French museum:  Le Jardin, Et Cabinet Poetique. Paul and Jacques Contant were apothecaries who put together an exhibit of primarily zoological and botanical specimens. Some would have been curiosities based on their not being native to France, such as toucans and armadillos. Others would have been interesting as they were not what one would normally find, such as Siamese twins or an eight-legged cat. $34,000.

 

Bruce McKittrick Rare Books may be reached at 610-660-0132 or info@mckittrickrarebooks.com. Their website is www.mckittrickrarebooks.com.